One-Two Finish for Willie Tynan in $40,000 Equinox Grand Prix at HITS Vermont

Manchester, VT. – July 30, 2023 – Willie Tynan and Ballinteskin Joe continued their winning streak, dominating the $40,000 Equinox Grand Prix on Sunday during the Valley Classic at HITS Vermont. Tynan was the first competitor on the field with the 12-year-old gelding, affectionately called Max, posting a double-clear round and leading the lap of honor. 

Willie Tynan and Ballinteskin Joe. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

The course, designed by Jaime Morillo, had a first round where riders were presented with wide-oxers and tall verticals. A vertical-oxer-vertical combination was the first combination on course and was closely followed by an oxer-vertical in-and-out, testing riders and their horses’ ability to jump across the oxers and then manage to proceed to clear the verticals.

“The course was good – I thought Jaime built a very good course,” Tynan said. “It rode the same as we walked it, and everyone seemed to enjoy the course and jump well.”

Willie Tynan and Seattle. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

Tynan and Ballinteskin Joe, owned by the MDM Equestrian Group, were first in the order of go, which meant that they would be first to return in the seven horse jump-off. Setting the pace, Tynan completed the short course clear and in a time of 35.246 seconds. The pair already had a previous win under their belt from Friday’s HITS Open Prix, where they once again had a double-clear round. 

“In the first round, Max was a little bit difficult to ride – he was a little bit fresh in himself so he made it a bit harder. The second round, he was obviously much, much better,” Tynan commented. “He has a double win this week, so he's a good boy. He's a winner.”

Of Tynan’s three entries, all went on to compete in the jump off, and Tynan managed to also finish in second place with the MDM Equestrian Group’s Fancy Girl. Boasting another double-clear round, Tynan again secured a top placing, this time in 35.538 seconds.

Willie Tynan and Fancy Girl. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

The only other pair to go clear in the jump-off was Holly Bachor and her own Caddie R. Crossing the timers in 36.883 seconds, Bachor rounded out the top three. 

Holly Bachor and Caddie R. Photo by Jess Windhurst.

Week five of the Vermont Summer Festival is fast approaching and will feature another $40,000 Equinox Grand Prix. Spectators are invited to watch and experience the action in the jumper ring taking place over the next two weeks which promise to provide ample entertainment.